Marching Forward with an Excellent Spirit

I used to think that excellence is perfect and perfect is excellent. I realised I have been ignorant, mistaken and wrong! The world has blinded me with the image of perfection- those perfect couples, families and people’s life on social media.

Excellent in the dictionary means extremely good; outstanding, high quality and standard. Perfect on the other hand, is without fault, flawless, absolute; complete (used for emphasis). How can we all be without fault, without flaw? Only God is perfect in all His ways. It is not sustainable for humans to be perfect. And we are not called to be a mini God.

However, we all can be excellent! A person who wants to develop and move with an excellent spirit in his life is one who wants to give his life to be led by the Spirit of God. The Apostle Paul said in Galatians 5:25 - If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit, and in Romans 8:14 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Each of us who have been born again, accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, have the Excellent Spirit. It does not mean the Excellent Spirit will magically take off. We are responsible to steward and sharpen our spirit man, then we will excel in our character, our attitude and the work that we do.

As I was preparing this sermon, I saw a vision of laying bricks. Laying bricks requires a lot of preparation, alignment, a strong foundation, establishing strong support and repetition until the building is complete. I have never laid any bricks myself but I have seen my contractors lay tiles for my house’s floor and walls. I think the concept is quite similar. Bricklaying and tiling is skilled job but it also labour work. It looks simple, but I cannot estimate the job until I experienced it myself. Every single sweat, every squat, every spread of mortar, every brick or tile laid to level, every measurement followed, every knock on the brick or tile- what we see at the end is achievement of either a great job or lousy job. As I inspected my floor and wall, some floor tiles are a little slightly higher than the next one (a little too much mortar may have been applied or maybe the floor was uneven) and some grout lines are slightly thicker than others resulting in an uneven gap. Overall, there wasn’t any cracked tiles, no hollow tiles and the floor looks solid and amazing, the job was also done on time. Was I looking for a perfect job or excellent job outcome? The outcome wasn’t perfect, I could have rejected it and it would have taken forever to lay those tiles perfectly. Time, process, patience, attention to detail and precision are key. 

We Are Christ’s Workmanship

God created us and for Him. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in (Ephesians 2:10.) He gives us skills and talents, and most importantly, the Spirit. These are the materials we need to build. For all these, there is a purpose to it. These materials need to be used rightfully and to its full potential, to create and strengthen our foundation before we build our “wall”.

Work done by our hands, is the same as laying brick to build a wall or a house. Every repeat and practice, it is a process that we learn and it will make us better and more skilled. Whatever we do, we do it from our heart and soul, for ourselves and on to the Lord. We reap what we sow.

“Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24:3-4)

I do not cook but I wanted to try making my own granola instead of buying from store. I found a simple recipe and I started making my own granola now. Simple recipe, obtainable ingredients (less than 10 and easy to find and keep) and easy baking (40 minutes). Combine the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, then bake! Very very simple! However, the choice of ingredients, the step and details make the difference. It is my third batch now and I keep refining the steps and ingredients. I make sure I use quality ingredients, combine and toss the wet and ingredients well. If I don’t combine well, the granola will not be balanced and it may not be baked well. And I will taste the difference and inconsistency. You may think ‘Aiyo, it’s just granola.’ But as I combined and toss my rolled oats, I think what if Jesus comes one day and wanted to taste my granola. I must have the best granola in the house! And I love my homemade granola! Apostle said she really enjoyed it when she tried it during her last trip to Singapore.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatever you do, do it well.” This verse encourages us to approach every task with dedication and commitment. 

Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, ... do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” This verse reminds us that our pursuit of excellence should be an act of worship. 

Proverbs 23:12 “Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge.”

The Example of Daniel: Excellence, Faithfulness and Humility

One of the examples of a man having an excellent spirit is none other than Daniel. Daniel’s spirit was the result of the way he handled himself, and the way he treated other people, and most of all, the manner in which he served his God. Let’s look at Daniel’s character and nature that made him a man with an excellent spirit, then we could develop that same kind of excellent spirit too.

Daniel and his friends have been faithful to God from the beginning and also during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. They were among those young men chosen to learn the language and literature of the Chaldeans, they took this opportunity and used the time to learn something different. This was an open door for Daniel, equipping himself with the language and literature, they have the ability to serve in the king’s palace (Daniel 1:4.) Daniel did not defile himself with the king’s delicacies nor chase after the luxuries gifts and fame from the kings. Because of Daniel’s faithfulness, God favour him “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”- Daniel 1:17. With God’s favour, the king found Daniel and his friends “ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.” (Daniel 1:20) 

Daniel’s excellent faithfulness earned him reputation among the kings: “I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.” (Daniel 5:14) 

“Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.” (Daniel 6:3) 

Despite being favoured and promoted by the kings of Babylon, Daniel excelled in being faithful to God. He was not influenced by the rank or the authority given to him by the kings, he did not please men. Instead, he stayed close to the Lord and did not derail from God in his spirit. There was none other he served except the Lord, and he served his Lord faithfully regardless of his situation. We are living in this world where everything is attainable and easily influenced by people or social media. It is so easy to be distracted and derailed. We need to remain focused and look only toward God.

When no one could interpret the king’s dream, the decree came out to destroy all wise men of Babylon. Daniel sought God for interpretation of the king’s dream and God revealed to Daniel. As he came before the king to interpret his dream, Daniel made a stand for God “But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes who make known the interpretation to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.” (Daniel 2:30 NKJV). Daniel humbles himself and glorifies God. Daniel gave all the credit to God, all his successes and his achievements. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says "Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”   The king promoted Daniel to be the ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon (Daniel 2:47-48.). 

“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”- Proverbs 22:29 NKJV

Daniel and his friends did not comprise throughout the hostilities and tribulations. They continued to stand faithfully towards God. Governors, other administrators and satraps were jealous of them, tried to plot and bring them down. Daniel’s friends never bow down to worship the king’s gold image and they stood strong in faith- God delivered them unharmed from the burning fiery furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar praised God and made exception for Daniel’s friends.

Again, wicked men tried to stop Daniel from seeking God (All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. Daniel 6:7.) He did not tremble and Daniel continued to seek God and God delivered him unharmed from the lion’s den. King Darius praised and honoured God because of Daniel’s excellence spirit.

The thought of being put in the burning fiery furnace and lion’s den are very very terrifying. Put ourselves in the same situation, when things get tough, when we are persecuted, how will we respond? What choices will we make? Do we sway? Will we flee? Would we compromise our faith? Or do we stand strong and firm, untouchable with the Holy Spirit?

1 Peter 2:12 "Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles.” This verse encourages us to live godly lives and glorify God in all we do. He even set out our paths and surround ourselves with people who can help and aid us in our own journey. Choose to be close to people who are godly and walk in light, who can support us to excel and to be a better version of ourselves.

The Example of Joseph

The other man who inspires me is Joseph from the book of Genesis. When he was sold by his own brothers as a slave, Joseph could have been bitter and resentful just like how the world is living now. He could have lived his life being negative, blaming his brothers that he ended up in captive and a slave. Instead, Joseph take accountability of his immature actions. He allowed God to take charge of his life (to submit and be a slave) and he still feared God. God was pleased with him and blessed him with favour of men.

He did not fall into temptation when the Potipher’s wife tried to seduce him. He knew it is wrong in God’s eye; the integrity in his spirit was outstanding. He chose to fear God and walk in godliness and holiness. Joseph was loyal to his master as his master had trusted Joseph with overseeing the house. He stood firm and kept rejecting her every time. Despite doing the right thing, he was sent to prison as his Master’s wife falsely accused him when she didn’t get what she wanted. 

God had mercy on Joseph when he was in prison. He found favour from the keeper of the prison and all prisoners were put under Joseph’s authority, including Pharaoh’s chief baker and chief butler. When both the chief baker and chief butler had dreams but there was no interpreter of it, Joseph helped them to interpreter their dreams as he used the gift given by God, that he received interpretation from God (Genesis 40.) The chief butler’s dream was good sign and Joseph told the chief butler not to forget him when Pharaoh restored the chief butler. But the chief butler forgotten about him. So, Joseph continued to stay in the dungeon for two years (Genesis 40.) Sometimes doing good does not mean you will see the reward right away. This is true according to Ecclesiastes 11:1 “Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days.” I ponder deep on this scripture- if it’s on my understanding, it doesn’t make any sense- bread when touches water, it will absorb water and then dissolved. When I lean on God’s understanding, bread here means provision given by our dear God. Whatever God has given us,  to give it all out (energy, thoughts, etc) to the challenges that is sent to you even though you do not know what will return. Trust in God and the process. 

So it was two years later after the chief butler was restored, when Pharaoh had a dream and no one could interpret it. It was this time when the chief butler remembered Joseph and told the Pharaoh what had happened in the prison. When the Pharaoh asked for Joseph to interpret, Joseph chose to tell Pharaoh the truth, the interpretation from God (he was not bitter or resentful to the Pharaoh though he was sent to prison). Joseph also provided strategy to the Pharaoh on how to sustain through the seven years of famine. Pharaoh was so pleased with Joseph as he saw that the Lord was with Joseph, that he not only removed Joseph from the prison but promoted Joseph to serve as Prime Minister in Egypt (Genesis 41). 

See how Joseph was sold as a slave, then thrown in as a prisoner for something he didn’t do, but marched out from the dungeon as the ruler in Egypt for Pharaoh, because of his godliness, patience and righteousness. He developed self-controlled, discipline and sharpen his discernment and wisdom throughout his period as a slave, prisoner and governor. God often put us in valley so that we can be tested, moulded and processed to be more like Him and to glorify Him.

When Joseph’s brother came to Egypt to buy grain because of the famine, Joseph did not ill treat them for what they have done to him. Instead, Joseph acted Christ-like and served his brother excellently. He gave them provision more than they needed, saved his father, his brothers and their entire family from the famine. Joseph realised that God has put him through all the tests and trials to prepare him for greater things and purpose. 

Genesis 50:19-21 “Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”

Make the Required Change

It is natural to make mistakes or wrong choices in life, for with mistakes we can learn, to do better next time and strive for excellence. God gives us mercy, grace and favour when we are willing to trust God and submit to His plan. We need to examine ourselves, how we respond when people treat us badly. Do we hold grudges? Will we be vengeful? Is it an eye for an eye? Or do we respond from the fruit of the Spirit in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and with self-control? (Galatians 5:22-23) Have we bear these excellent fruits and glorify God? 

Making the same mistake repeatedly and do not make a change, it is a sign of ignorance, negligence and irresponsible behaviour. You will realise that you come back to the same place again and again until you overcome the obstacle. Do not take His mercy and grace for granted, for no one is dispensable. If we do not steward what God has given us, He will move on to the next available and willing vessel.

It is not about how much money I make, how high my rank is, how much I have done for the Lord, how much time I spent to do this and that, how many souls have I bring in for the Lord. I will not keep tab of this. Instead, it is about the tiniest details and the posture of mind and heart when I am doing the work. Maintain this spirit in mountain top time and even more so in the dark valley time. God is sharpening our attitude and character in these times. It is during those valley times, we are being tested of our character to produce the best works.

Dive into Discomfort

It’s not only about doing excellently in things we like to do, but it is also to take on things we are uncomfortable with and all the obstacles that comes along. Excellent Spirit leads us to an uncomfortable situation because that's where the wonderful Spirit wants to work together with us, that is when we are faithful.

Corporate jobs can be dark and stressful not because of the job, but the people and system. There is less black and white, but more of grey. People will twist the process and use people to their convenience, and put blame on others besides themselves. Appraisal system is so flawed, people get rewarded in the bell curve by their profile; not because of their effort. Ever since I found out that I can work for our fair and righteous big boss, God, I want to be in full time ministry. What I learned from Daniel’s story is that you can still serve God while working for others. Because God can use people around us to train and sharpen us. Be dedicated to our work wherever we are, demonstrates excellence despite the darkness of the world. Bloom where you’re planted. When you are still at the same place, it means God is not finish with you yet. He has His reasons and plan. We just need to follow His plan, faithfully and obediently with an excellent spirit.

At work, I used to shy away from taking new assignment which I am unfamiliar or I don’t like doing. I have been avoiding taking project management assignments because I don’t like the role- especially chasing people to finish their work. Recently, my boss told me to drive an initiative like a project. Actually, this initiative started in the beginning of 2024, collaborating with another team. But by end of the year, there was not a good progress and result. She has been kind to me- she started the project plan and gave me the draft to continue. She spent time to guide me so that I will be on the right track. I thank God that He sent a good and kind boss to me.

I guess it is time to really work in this area. Because Apostle also calls me to plan the timeline and  tracking milestones of the work for our church. God is telling me this is where I need to sharpen myself now. Apostle told me “bloom where you are at.” If I don’t master this skill through this assignment, I won’t be able to move forward to do other things in life, things that God calls me for. By saying yes to the Lord, it means we need to give our best in the assignment each and every time.

“Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge; For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips, So that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?” Proverbs 22:17-21

Gifts, Talents and How we Invest them Matters

I read The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. 3 servants- one with five talents produced five more talents; another one with two talents, gained two more; for these two, His Lord said to them, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” However, the servant with one talent who gained nothing as he went and dug in the ground and hid his lord’s money, the lord took the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. Diligence and dedication of responsibility that was put on us is expected. There is grace, but God’s grace has its time and season; and if I don’t take this now, I will lose this window and opportunity, and will also lose time as I wait for the unknown next opportunity. I cannot think it will always be there when I want it or when I feel like it. 

Romans 12:6–8 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” This verse encourages us to find our gifts and use them with excellence.  Since I have been given the chance to work for God and the church, I feel like my time is all filled up and it is not enough. Juggling between my secular work, ministry work, personal time and house chores- surely there is not enough time. I need to prioritise what is important and good for me now, and manage my time wisely. Chilling with friends over food and drink, and bingeing on Netflix the whole weekend like I used to are no longer in my list. These are distractions and unproductive activities.

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”- Ephesians 5:15-16.  In Ecclesiastes 11:2 says “Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, For you do not know what evil will be on the earth.” We need think and plan 10 steps ahead, so that whatever comes, we will be ready to face them.

Being busy and so many things to do, it doesn’t give us the excuse to produce substandard work, remember the laying bricks analogy, we can’t allow the wall to fall. Stop murmuring and complaining about our issues, problems and people. We should do everything to the best of our ability. Stewardship is very important- can’t be lazy, dishonest, no integrity in the work we do. If we can’t do simple things in excellence, how can God trust us in bigger things? You see this clearly in Daniel’s and Joseph’s life journey. “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”- Proverbs 22:29 NKJV

We need to have faith, that the power of God is able and He will equip us with strategy to manage all the works on our hand. All we need to do is let go. Let go of things that are not good for us, stop clinging on stuff that we are so used to but we know that it is not good. Have courage and strength to step out. Be a creator, not a reactor. God will surely back us.

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19 

Skills and talents can be learned and mastered. But diligence and dedication are strengthen through many rounds of process. Produces patience and endurance. “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4

We constantly use “I don’t know” or “I forgot”, I believe this is the same as  Proverbs 22:13 “The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!” But do you know, if we really put our hearts and minds to it, we can know and we can remember. We have the Holy Spirit!

Take Accountability and Remain Humble

We need to remain humble and always be in a teachable posture, if we are too proud, know-it-all, we will be blinded of opportunities, windows and doors that God opens for us, we cannot excel and move forward. There is always room for improvement even the familiar things we have done many times and to excel.

Take accountability of our actions. I thank God I have a wonderful and excellent mother. She takes care of the house, everything be washed, cleaned and tidied for me even I am an adult. But I cannot take advantage of this! I need to do wash, clean and tidy my house and my things for myself. She set an example for me to follow. I cannot push my own responsibilities to her even though she has been doing it ever since. Do not take for granted things that have been done and given by others. For it is done out of their goodwill and it is a privilege. We need to start taking accountability of our own lives that God has gracefully blessed us.

Our God is not a mediocre but He is an excellent God, in every aspect of life. Every detail from the greatest to the least, from the biggest to the smallest, He takes into consideration and completed in excellence. 

As such we all can be excellent! Excellent in our works, our attitude towards everything that comes at our direction. We are the ambassador and representation of Christ, it is a responsibility to do our best to be a testimony of our magnificent God. We are called to be carriers of God’s glory!

Prayer:

God, we praise You and thank You for You are with us on the mountain top, even through the valley. Thank you for Your Spirit in us, we have the ability to be excellent just like You. O God, help us to be a the best version of ourselves. Help us steward our precious gifts that You have given us to excel in everything we do. Give us understanding and wisdom, we lean on our understanding, and not ours. Your plan is greater than ours. We are humbled and privileged to be able to carry Your Glory wherever we go. 

Thank you for entrusting us in the tiniest things so that we are able to do great things in time to come, according to Your plan. Help us to stay focus on You, be diligent, dedicated, have integrity and honesty, no matter what and no matter where You placed us. Nurture and strengthen us to bear good fruits that please You. We desire and are committed to be excellent like You, be strong in our Spirit. Whatever we do, do it well and we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Convict our mind, body and soul, that we will be faithful and excellent servants to You and to glorify Your excellent name. God, move us and have us march forward with an excellent spirit from now on. Amen.